Now, we will decide an overall winner but by reading the points in each section of our review you can decide which console fits you best! The winner will be decided by the console with the most points. It will be the console that is best overall in power, graphics, design, controllers, games, media, online play, and value. Each category ranks a console from 5 to 1, with 5 being the best console in that category. Other consoles will be given a score based on how close in comparison it falls in that category, for example if it measured closely it would receive a 4, but if it was an extreme difference it would receive a 1. At the end the points will be added up for a champion. It is possible for all consoles to receive a 5 in a certain category, with the best always being listed first though the points being a virtual tie.
Let us also remember that just because a console is best does not mean it will win the console wars. Most critics who reviewed the original Xbox thought it superior to the PS2, however the PlayStation brand was well established and the Xbox arrived late and as a newcomer. This review is designed to give you all the information without the hype, and let you make a choice, though we are sure our champion is the ultimate machine for everyone.
Power:
The power of a console comes from its CPU (Central Processing Unit) and is a big part of how well games will look and perform on your console, as well as controlling how well it does other functions. The CPU brings everything together. However, it is also balanced against the GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and internal memory and the speed (Bandwidth) between various parts in the console. We will be taking a closer look at graphics in the next section, but remember for optimal console power we need the best CPU, Memory, GPU, and Bandwidth.
Xbox 360:
The 360 has a PowerPC 3.2 GHz 3 Core CPU. The three cores are symmetrical similar to the new Intel CoreDuo processors out now. It also has a unified memory of 512MB. With the ease of development and roughly the same power as the PS3, the 360 is a sure winner in power. The 360 is also reported to have the highest available bandwidth. Score: 5
PlayStation3:
The PS3 also has a PowerPC 3.2 GHz CPU. It is a Cell based processor with seven cell CPUs. But, it us a new technology and it will be more difficult to develop for, especially considering the cells are asymmetrical. The PS3’s peak performance is theoretical and in all is actually closer to the 360 according to technical reports. With the PS3 using more power and memory for its OS, the advantage falls away especially considering it is more difficult to develop for. It has total memory of 512MB available but it is split with 256MB available for the CPU and 256MB available for the GPU (Graphics). This leads to less diversity available for developers. Score: 4
Wii:
Less is known about the Nintendo Wii than about the other consoles, one thing is for sure its power available to developers is much less with Nintendo focusing on the design of the console and gaming. What is known is it’s a PowerPC CPU at approx. 729 MHz which is similar to its last console the GameCube though slightly faster. Its memory is considerably low with a total of 88MB. Score: 1
Graphics:
The graphics of the console is extremely related to the available power in the console, but also more importantly this section focuses on the GPU installed in the console. Both the PS3 and 360 focused on HD Gaming which can be only fully appreciated on an HDTV; however the graphics on a regular TV should also improve.
Xbox 360:
The 360 clearly win the graphics war, with its superior GPU by ATi, with a total of 512MB available memory and extreme efficiency. ATi has refused to divulge on most of the technology in its 360 GPU, but expect this technology to make its way to high end computer graphics cards in the future. Max current output of 1080p. Score: 5
PlayStation3:
The PS3 has advanced graphics from NVIDIA, something you would find in a high end PC GPU today. But it is not the graphics of tomorrow found in the 360, and only has a max of 256MB available memory. The cell processor might make up for this, but again is more difficult to develop for and may take years to surpass the 360 if it all, by that time the next generation consoles may be out! Max current output of 1080p. Score: 4
Wii:
The Wii’s graphics are nothing to be proud off. Designed for standard 480p TVs, the games will be lacking on HDTVs. However, you should still expect improvements in regard to the last generation of gaming consoles. Score: 2
Design:
The design of a console can sometimes be more important than what’s inside, especially in a buyers mind. The design includes the look, dimensions, and weight of a console.
Wii:
With the smallest and the lightest console, the Wii is a sure winner. It doesn’t hurt to also have a wonderful design. It weighs in at around 1.74kg. Score: 5
Xbox 360:
Weighing it at 3.5kg, it is definitely heavier than the Wii. However, it has a beautiful concave design. The team behind the design expressed it wonderfully as taking a breath of air. Score: 3
PlayStation3:
At 5kg, the PS3 is the heaviest of the new consoles. It is also the bulkiest design with a more convex design. Though some may like the design, other have described it quite negatively. The PS3 really seams to be a love or hate machine. Score: 2
Controllers:
Without controllers there would be no way to play games on your new console. Every console has taken a different approach and so even though this category was difficult to judge it was based on the innovations and design found in the new controllers.
Wii:
The design team at Nintendo has something to be extremely proud of! Though it is an under powered console the design of the console and controller really stick out. With its innovative motion sensing controller, you can really start being part of the game. However, don’t think its all fun and games. Some reviews have focused on broken windows and TVs as controllers slip out of your hand. Others bring to light possible cramps from continued use. Overall, only time will tell if the controller is here to stay or is just a fad. Score: 5
Xbox 360:
With a smaller controller than the original Xbox, the new controller is either wireless or not depending on which package you get. The 360 supports wireless accessories out of the box. It also has some improvements with button placement including new shoulder buttons to replace the black and white buttons on the original Xbox controller. The 360 controller can also be used to turn on and off the console and performs extremely well and accurate. Score: 5
PlayStation3:
The PS3 controller called the SIXAXIS is able to detect motion in six ways (hence the name). It also includes more trigger style R2 and L2 buttons like the original Xbox and 360. It operates wirelessly thru Bluetooth, though there have been initial reports of sync issues. The design of the controller is the same as the PS2 throwing out the redesigned boomerang style controller that was initially shown with the console. Score: 4
Games:
The games are an extremely important part of any console, especially exclusive titles. Because the Xbox 360 was launched a year before the other consoles it has more available games at the time of writing.
Xbox 360:
The 360 included a great launch library of stunning titles including Call of Duty 2, Project Gotham Racing 3, and Kameo: Elements of Power. Other notable games include Gears of Wars, Saint’s War, and Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter. The 360 also includes a Live Arcade feature which includes such classics as multiplayer UNO, Pac-Man, and DOOM. Gears of Wars, in particular, has had good reviews noticing its extreme graphics that show the real power of the 360. 18 games were available at launch with over 145 available now. Score: 5
Wii:
The Wii also notably includes downloadable games such as the 360 with classic Nintendo titles available. However, some titles will need a ‘classic’ controller to be played. Launch titles include Wii Sports (included in every console) and Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. 21 games were available at launch. Score: 4
PlayStation3:
The PlayStation3 launched with 16 titles including Resistance: Fall of Man, Ridge Racer 7, and Untold Legends: Dark Kingdom. However, most games received lower review scores when compared to comparable 360 launch titles. There are no downloadable arcade or classic style games. Score: 3
Media:
Media includes the game format, and other functions such as video or music playback. Though many may consider media functions not a big deal in a console, they are increasingly becoming a big part.
Xbox 360:
The 360 game disc is a modified Dual Layer DVD storing a max of 8.5GB, which developers have stated is plenty of space for next generation games especially considering downloadable content. The 360 plays DVDs, music, videos, and shows pictures from 3rd party devices (such as camera or mp3 players) or your PC. It also can be an extender for any Windows Media Center PC allowing it to play live or recorded TV plus other content. In addition should wish to go further you can buy a HD-DVD drive accessory that brings you HD Movies. Xbox Live also allows you to download HD movies and shows. The possibilities are truly endless. Score: 5
PlayStation3:
The PS3 game disc is based of Sony’s Blu-ray format which can hold up to 25GB on a single layer. However, access speeds for the new format (which is currently in a format war with HD-DVD) is much slower the the 360’s drive speeds for its DVD Format. In addition developers are not using more than 8.5GB for PS3 Games. Customers are required to pay for a new format (which causes both the console and games to be more expensive) rather than have a choice as available with the 360 to purchase a HD Movie player accessory. Though the PS3 also plays a host of media, it does not connect to any media centers natively for TV Playback for example. However, the PS3 is a wonderful media console being the cheapest Blu-ray player available. Score: 4
Wii:
The Wii also bases its game discs off the DVD format, though the console does not play DVDs. It does however play CDs. Nintendo has confirmed another version of the console will be released in the future that plays DVDs. It is expected the new console will cost more making it less competitive. Score: 2
Online Play:
Online Play lets you play against other people across the internet. This is opposed to multiplayer games that require all people to be present in front of your TV. In the last generation only the original Xbox has a successful online network called Xbox Live.
Xbox 360:
Xbox Live which was redesigned for the 360 continues to be the online network by which all other are measured. Xbox Live Gold which allows multiplayer internet play costs $50 a year. Features include a network wide gamerscore, downloadable demos, trailers, and other content. A silver account is included free in all consoles that allows access to most content and chat but no network play. All 360 games are required to be Live Aware. Score: 5
PlayStation3:
The PlayStation Network is Sony’s response to Xbox Live. Connection to the service as well as chat is free. However, it is up to each individual game creator to enable online support as well as multiplayer functions. Each game may charge for the online service instead of the unified price on Xbox Live. In addition there is no network wide gamerscore such as on Live. Score: 3
Wii:
Though the Wii will have online play thru its WiiConnect24 service, no launch games had online multiplayer support. Score: 1
Value:
But which system gives you the best value?
Xbox 360:
The 360 starts at $299 for the core and $399 for the premium package. Today looking at Intel Dual Core processors at TigerDirect, I noticed they can cost as much as $1000. So you are getting an extreme gaming machine with the latest in graphics technology for 300 or 400 dollars. Not only that but you get a great media console. For 200 more you can optionally get an HD-DVD Drive, though most won’t have the need or can wait until the format wars have been decided before pushing forward in that area. Score: 5
PlayStation3
For the best overall value I would have awarded it to the PS3, however it’s the best value for a gaming machine. At $499 for the base edition and $599 for top model it is a bit pricy. Most of that comes from Sony’s choice of including Blu-ray as standard in the console, which is a questionable way of pushing their format in the format wars. Score: 5
Wii:
The cheapest console is surprisingly the worst value. For starters there is no DVD Playback which is crazy. At $250, you could easily spend $50 for a more powerfully console with advanced media functionality. At $250 you could get a bargain desktop PC (without monitor as the Wii does not include a monitor) which would be more powerful than the Wii. Score: 1
Verdict:
The Wii received a total of 21 points. The PlayStation3 received a total of 29, and the Xbox 360 received a total of 38. The Xbox 360 is the clear winner as being the ultimate console and best value. With the 360 you got great games, great graphics, great design, and a great media experience. The Xbox 360 is expandable, has an awesome online network and is priced reasonably well.
written by Callum, February 16, 2007
written by PSWii60 FTW, February 16, 2007
